5 Activities for Children to Improve Eye Contact

1. Play an eye signal game: by having your child stand a few feet in front of you (or closer if they will allow). Only your eyes can tell them to move to the side (by looking to that side), the other side, step back (eyes up), or take a step forward (one blink).

2. Peek-a-boo: This game works well with older children as well. With older children, you'll need to add more silliness to get them to participate. You could also teach them to play peek-a-boo with a baby. If you ask them to entertain a baby in this manner, you will be rewarded with smiles and squeals from the baby.

3. Pairs mirror: This is a slightly more difficult game. Children should sit in pairs, facing each other. The idea is for one child to make various funny faces, movements, or poses. The other child is known as the 'mirror.' They will do exactly what the other child does.

Silly faces, emotion faces, or movements like patting your head or rubbing your stomach are all acceptable. After one child has had a good go, the other child can try.

4. Face painting: This is a simple activity that simply fosters a positive relationship between the adult and child by encouraging them to look at each other's faces. Children usually enjoy peering at other children who have had their faces painted to see how they look.

5. Using puppets: The trick is to get the puppet to whisper to you, so the children must look at the puppet while also looking at you to figure out what the puppet has said.

Puppets are great for playing simple games, singing songs, and telling simple stories. A great way to practice making eye contact.